White House honors UH professor Donna Stokes for excellence in STEM mentoring

The White House has announced the recipients of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM), which recognize outstanding mentoring in STEM disciplines. Among this year's honorees is Donna Stokes, a long-serving physics professor at the University of Houston.

Stokes has been involved with UH’s College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics since her graduate studies. Her work focuses on physics research, improving student success in STEM fields, preparing secondary school STEM educators, and mentoring students and junior faculty.

Her interest in science began early, encouraged by her high school teachers and counselor. Southern University recognized her potential with a physics scholarship. "When people ask me how I became a physicist, I always say, a scholarship brought me to physics and my passion for science and math kept me in the field," she stated.

Stokes earned her bachelor's degree from Southern University before moving to the University of Houston for her master's and Ph.D. She later joined UH as a faculty member after completing post-doctoral work at the U.S. Naval Research Labs. At UH, she has held roles such as undergraduate academic adviser and associate dean of undergraduate affairs.

She also contributes to educating future teachers through teachHouston, NSM’s STEM teacher preparation program. "Throughout my career, I had great mentors who selflessly supported me," she said. "I realize that my mentoring experiences have been the foundation of my philosophy for mentoring undergraduate and graduate students."

Stokes' dedication has earned her several awards including UH Teaching Excellence Awards and a National Science Foundation Career Award. "Professor Stokes’ enduring commitment to mentoring future leaders in science and mathematics is truly remarkable," said UH President Renu Khator.

The PAESMEM awards are managed by the National Science Foundation with selections made by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Recipients receive $10,000 and an opportunity to attend professional development events in Washington D.C.

"All of us at the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics are extremely proud of Dr. Stokes' latest achievement," commented NSM Dean Dan Wells.

While honored by her inclusion as a PAESMEM honoree, Stokes values recognition for peers dedicated to inspiring future scientists: “Spotlighting STEM educators...is important to demonstrate the critical role they play."